How to Find the Best Views Without Paying Tourist Prices

Every city has that one famous viewpoint that tourists flock to—and pay a premium for. But the truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get breathtaking views. Locals know the secret spots where you can enjoy the same skyline, sunset, or panoramic vistas for free—or for the price of a coffee. Ready to skip the tourist traps and discover the best views without the high costs? Here’s how to see the city like a local and enjoy the scenery on a budget.

1. Head to Rooftop Bars (And Just Order a Drink)

Why pay for an expensive observation deck when you can get the same view at a rooftop bar? Many cities have rooftop bars with stunning views—and the price of a drink is often cheaper than an admission ticket. Here’s how to do it:

• Order a coffee, mocktail, or soft drink, which is usually cheaper than cocktails.
• Go during happy hour for discounted drinks and a beautiful sunset view.
• Avoid peak hours, like late evenings, when prices and crowds are higher.

Rooftop bars let you enjoy the view without the tourist prices—and with a drink in hand.

2. Visit Public Parks and Viewpoints

Many cities have public parks, hills, or scenic viewpoints that offer amazing panoramic views for free. Look for:

• Hills or elevated parks, like Griffith Park in Los Angeles or Montjuïc in Barcelona.
• Waterfront promenades, with skyline reflections and sunset views.
• Historic fortresses or city walls, which often have free access and great vantage points.

Public parks give you spectacular views without spending a dime.

3. Find Free Observation Decks in Public Buildings

Some skyscrapers have free observation decks or public spaces with incredible views. These are often located in:

• Public libraries, like the Seattle Public Library’s top floors.
• Shopping malls, with cafes or terraces offering great vistas.
• Government buildings or cultural centers, which sometimes have free viewing areas.

Check if your destination has public buildings with free or low-cost access to high viewpoints.

4. Use Transportation for a Moving View

Instead of paying for a view, get one while moving through the city. Options include:

• Public ferries, which offer beautiful waterfront views (like in Sydney or Hong Kong).
• Trams or cable cars, that go up hills or mountains (like in San Francisco or Lisbon).
• Public buses, on scenic routes that pass by famous landmarks.

Public transportation gives you a unique perspective for just the cost of a ticket.

5. Look for Hidden Staircases and Alleyways

Some of the best views are hidden in plain sight—up staircases, down alleys, or behind buildings. Explore:

• Pedestrian overpasses with unexpected cityscape views.
• Public staircases leading to hilltops or terraces.
• Back alleys or side streets that open up to scenic vistas.

Wandering off the main path helps you discover secret viewpoints that aren’t in the guidebooks.

6. Use Apps and Local Blogs for Hidden Gems

Skip the tourist sites and use local apps and blogs to find lesser-known viewpoints. Try:

• Spotted by Locals: Written by residents with insider tips on scenic spots.
• Instagram location tags: Search geotags to find unique photo spots.
• Reddit threads, especially in r/travel or city-specific subreddits.

Local sources guide you to authentic viewpoints that tourists don’t know about.

7. Visit During Off-Peak Times

If you do want to visit a famous viewpoint, go during off-peak times to save money and avoid crowds. Try:

• Early mornings, for sunrise views and empty observation decks.
• Weekdays, when locals are at work and tourist numbers are lower.
• Off-season travel, when ticket prices and crowds are reduced.

Off-peak visits let you enjoy popular views in peace, often at a lower cost.

The Verdict: The Best Views Are Free (Or Almost Free)

You don’t have to pay tourist prices for incredible views. By exploring public parks, using local transportation, visiting rooftop bars, and finding hidden spots, you can enjoy breathtaking vistas without breaking the bank. Ready to see the city from a new perspective? Ditch the overpriced observation decks and explore like a local. The best views are out there, waiting to be discovered—for free.